Cabinetry Care & Cleaning

Proper care for your new cabinetry will help assure that the finish remains looking great for years. Remove dust from inside and outside of the cabinets with a soft lint-free cloth. For everyday care you should wipe up spills as they occur. Use a clean soft cloth slightly moistened with water. Water with a little soap may also be used in some extreme cases involving grease. Never use abrasive cleansers. Never let moisture remain on any cabinet surface. Wipe it off with a dry cloth immediately. Other than occasional spills, do not clean you cabinets more than once every 3-6 months. Do not use a dishcloth to wipe your cabinets, as it may contain remnants of grease or detergent.

Polishes are not recommended but if used, certain types must be avoided. Polishes that are formulated with wax, petroleum solvents or silicone will damage the cabinet finish. The extended use of wax polishes can result in a wax film build-up. The use of silicone and petroleum based polishes will harm the cabinet finish.

There are several especially harmful things that can damage your cabinetry. Attention to these items can help extend the life of the finish on your cabinetry:

1. Excess water, when left unattended, can cause white spots and haziness to the finish and even damage the wood itself. Always remove excess liquid promptly, especially in moisture-prone areas, such as sink, range, dishwasher and baseboard areas.
2. Direct Sunlight can cause exposed areas to lighten or darken over time. When possible, keep cabinets out of direct sunlight or draw curtains during the sunniest part of the day. Be especially careful with cherry and maple cabinets.
3. Smoke and grease can form a hard film over time, dulling the finish. Occasional cleaning (every 3-6 months) with a soft cloth and water with a little soap, can prevent long-term damage.
4. Self cleaning appliances can generate intense heat during the cleaning cycle. The integrity of the appliance seal or appliance door gaskets may be compromised with age, or improper installation. We recommend the removal of the doors and pulling out the drawers on the cabinets adjacent to or directly above the appliance during a cleaning cycle.

As careful as you are, there may still be times when your new cabinets are scratched, nicked or dented. Touch-up kits are available to make minor repairs as needed. Many cabinet scratches can be touched up using a matching touch-up marker. Deeper scratches require using a soft fill putty stick. Scratches across the grain are very difficult to repair and damages that are more substantial should be repaired by a professional to prevent possible finish or surface damage.

*To order touch up kits contact Excel Cabinets at 801-463-3600.